Former Roomful of Blues bassist Roderick “Rory” MacLeod, 70, was struck while walking his dogs in Hopkinton.
HOPKINTON, R.I. — A 41-year-old driver with a lengthy arrest record was taken into custody after a Saturday morning crash that killed Grammy-nominated musician Roderick “Rory” MacLeod along a village road in Hope Valley, police said.
Authorities say the investigation is in its early stages but centers on a one-vehicle crash just after daybreak on Dec. 6 that left MacLeod, a Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame inductee, fatally injured. Hopkinton police identified the driver as Shannon N. Godbout, who they say had more than 100 prior arrests and dozens of traffic citations. Godbout was held after officers reported finding illegal narcotics and packaging materials in her vehicle. The case is being reviewed with state police crash reconstruction specialists and the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office as prosecutors weigh additional charges and a probation violation.
Police said officers responded around 7:20 a.m. to Spring Street, where a black SUV had left its lane, hit two telephone poles and other roadside objects, and then struck a pedestrian walking dogs on the eastbound shoulder. The pedestrian was identified as MacLeod, 70, a bassist and educator known for his work with Roomful of Blues. He was taken by ambulance to Rhode Island Hospital, where he died from his injuries later that morning, according to police. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. MacLeod’s family during this difficult time,” the department said in a statement. One of MacLeod’s dogs ran home following the crash, neighbors told officers. Godbout was arrested at the scene and taken to Westerly Hospital for evaluation before being held.
Investigators said Godbout faces preliminary counts of driving to endanger resulting in death and possession of Schedule I/II narcotics with intent to distribute, listed as a third or subsequent offense. Hopkinton police detailed an extensive background they say includes more than 100 arrests, 82 previously issued court warrants, and 40 traffic citations, with several of those contacts in the same town. Detectives collected debris, vehicle data and roadside markings while state police mapped the scene. The Attorney General’s Office is reviewing digital evidence and witness statements. Officials have not publicly identified the specific substances recovered or the quantity of drugs seized, and they have not released toxicology results. A formal cause and manner of death for MacLeod will be issued by the state medical examiner.
MacLeod earned a Grammy nomination in the 1980s as a member of Roomful of Blues, the longstanding horn-driven group founded in Rhode Island. He later taught and mentored young players, and he performed across New England, friends said. He was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame as part of the band and remained active in local ensembles and summer workshops. People in Hope Valley described morning dog walks as a routine for him and said he preferred quieter side roads near Spring Street when he was not traveling for gigs. The stretch, lined with utility poles and narrow shoulders, has drawn complaints from residents about speeding and distracted driving, according to neighbors interviewed after the crash.
Police said Godbout is expected to appear before a Justice of the Peace and will be presented to the Attorney General as a criminal violator based on prior cases in which she is serving suspended sentences or probation. Additional counts are possible once reconstruction work is complete and lab reports return. Officials said the Rhode Island State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit is assisting with measurements, vehicle inspections and analysis of speed, braking and path of travel. A district court arraignment will follow the review of evidence. If prosecutors file a violation, a separate hearing date would be set to determine whether prior probation is revoked. Authorities said they plan to release an updated report when reconstruction findings are finalized.
On Spring Street, flowers and a bass guitar pick were tucked into the grass near fresh tire gouges and a splintered pole on Tuesday. “Rory was the first to greet you at a rehearsal and the last to leave a student without an answer,” said longtime collaborator Michael Costa. Neighbor Erin Wallace said she saw emergency crews working along the shoulder shortly after sunrise. “You could tell it was bad from the silence,” she said. A small group gathered at dusk, some in Roomful of Blues jackets, sharing stories about shows at local halls and summer porch sessions. “He loved this town and this road,” said drummer Alan Pierce. “He trusted it to be safe.”
As of Wednesday, police said Godbout remained in custody while prosecutors reviewed charging options and probation status. State police reconstruction results and any toxicology findings will guide the final case filing, with an arraignment expected once those steps are complete.
Author note: Last updated December 10, 2025.